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Alisha Ramos is the founder of Girls’ Night In, a newsletter filled with cozy recommendations sent out every Friday to help readers cultivate rest and creativity. I am one of those readers, of which there are over 150,000, so you really do feel part of a community looking for inspiration and some inner peace.

Alisha started writing the newsletter in 2017 “as a way to bring some joy and comfort into people’s inboxes during an uncertain time.” (We included Girls’ Night In as one of our 23 best health and wellness newsletters of the year.)

We wanted to know what Alisha, a 33-year-old who has built a collective based on a fundamental pillar of wellness—canceling plans, seeking comfort in downtime—views as her own wellness essentials. So we’re kicking off our brand new series with her. It’s called What’s In My Wellness Bag, and you can see what’s in Alisha’s below.

Melanie, editor at Sightings

PS: We’ve got a very sweet giveaway… Dalci’s gut-healthy brownies! I have tried almost every flavor so far and I love that they use only whole-food ingredients. And they taste so good! Respond with a few essentials in your wellness bag, and we’ll send a variety pack to three random readers.

Zyrtec

“Only recently have I developed seasonal allergies! This helps me get through the day without becoming a sneezy, runny mess.”

$25

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Papier notebook

“Inspired by Suleika Jaouad’s journaling project, I’ve picked journaling back up as a habit. I try to scribble at least a few things down in the morning as I’m sipping my tea or coffee. More than anything, it’s soothing as I feel my anxieties traveling out of my brain and onto the page.”

$30

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Vuori performance jogger

“This is a cult fave for a reason! The material of this jogger is buttery soft. The length and weight are just right and perfect for spring. On any given day, you’ll likely see me in Vuori joggers or leggs.”

$94

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Moon Juice Magnesi-Om

“I bought this when I had a bout of insomnia a few months ago. I stir a bit of it into water and chug it an hour or so before I go to sleep. It tastes like sweet berries and helps me feel relaxed. As a bonus, it’s also great for gently encouraging bowel movements the next day. (Is that TMI?)”

$42

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EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum

“I’ll never forget the day I went to one of those skincare counters where they can show you the sun damage on your face in, like, 20x magnification. I practically ran to the store to buy loads of sunscreen. This is my favorite because it goes on nicely without feeling greasy, there is no scent, and it’s relatively cheap.”

$36

Peloton app

“Okay, this might be a boring and obvious answer, but this is how I get my workouts in, whether it’s a 10-minute full-body quick workout, or a 30-minute yoga routine. I like to stream the workouts via Roku onto our big TV in the basement so it feels like a whole experience. I have the bike too, but lately I’ve gravitated more toward strength classes.”

$12.99/month

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Aira Ionic Facial Steamer

“This does two things for me: It helps me open up my pores after a cleanse so that I can prep my skin for all my serums and potions… and it really relaxes me and puts me into that ‘wow, I’m really treating myself’ mood. It’s like having a little mini spa experience a few times a week.”

$69

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The public library

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a voracious reader. I read for pleasure, but I also read for the distinct benefit of turning off my brain from whatever work or life thing might be begging for my attention or anxiety at that moment. I love to get lost in a good story. I’ve recently rediscovered the joys of picking up an armful of books (and sometimes cookbooks!) from the public library and can’t believe that it’s a free and well-functioning service in our community. Support your local library!”

Free!

First Sightings header with a pop-up Baggu tent and a person wearing it folded up on her back

I really think wellness stickers are an emerging trend—you can both show them off like a lifestyle statement and they also remind you of being a kid again—and I just discovered another one: A sleepytime sticky with melatonin and hemp (These are not just for aesthetic purposes, they’re functional!)

Two of my favorite brands, Hoka and Cotopaxi, dropped an all-gender sneaker and fanny pack collab and they’re expectedly bursting with color

We are blessed with an abundance of good sunscreen brands, like Surfdurt, a reef-safe zinc sunscreen that donates a portion of its proceeds to clean water initiatives

Adding these Splits59 lilac leggings to my wish list

Allbirds now has golf shoes!

If you missed out on last week’s Gainful giveaway, we’ve got a special deal for our readers: Use this link and get 40% off your first order

In the wild header with a person wearing Lululemon's black Align leggings

Thanks to the recent FDA approval of over-the-counter hearing aids, brands like Sony are designing sexier devices that younger generations are stoked about

Please don’t follow the “raw water” trend, which is a serious health risk (and great way to get diarrhea)

Resort chains are opening up specifically for people struggling with burnout, which is also a reminder that a vacation is nice and a privilege, but it’s not a cure for labor conditions that work you to the point of being unwell

A lovely meditation on how a cleaning app provided a writer with an outlet to grieve

I’m really enjoying this theory that one guy’s tweet impersonating insulin behemoth Eli Lilly is a driving factor for the lowered prices

A reminder that just because an influencer hawks a product and makes bold wellness claims (like that “a $4,000 hunk of plastic can treat fertility, skinned knees, and autism”), doesn’t mean it’s true

Gentlemen, consider a wholesome group chat with the boys

More from The Nessie…

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The Best Period Tracking Apps of 2023

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The 4 Best Self-Care Subscription Boxes

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Gifts for Someone Who’s Really Into Wellness

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The Best Tinned Fish of 2023

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We write for people looking for approachable health and wellness finds and insights. All products and services are independently selected to provide recommendations you can trust. We may receive commission on purchases made from some of our links, but that’s not why we’re here. We just want to help you find good stuff.

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